PHILADELPHIA, PA — Marking National Poll Worker Recruitment Day, Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt has urged eligible Pennsylvanians to sign up as poll workers for the upcoming Nov. 5 election.
“Serving as a poll worker is one of the most rewarding acts of civic engagement you can perform,” Schmidt said. “Elections are the most fundamental part of our representative democracy, and they couldn’t happen here in Pennsylvania if it wasn’t for the work of the roughly 45,000 poll workers who staff more than 9,000 voting locations across the Commonwealth each Election Day.”
The Shapiro Administration emphasizes free, fair, safe, and secure elections. This includes protecting the right to vote, enhancing election efficiency and transparency, and ensuring every ballot is counted. Poll workers are crucial to these efforts.
On Wednesday, Schmidt attended a training seminar at Esperanza in Philadelphia to recognize National Poll Worker Recruitment Day. The event, part of a nationwide initiative, aimed to recruit more poll workers. Schmidt engaged with trainees, inquiring about their experiences and expressing gratitude for their service. He also encouraged eligible citizens to register to vote and consider serving as poll workers.
“Poll workers are the lifeline of our elections and our democracy,” stated Omar Sabir, chairman of the Philadelphia City Commissioners. “Each election they ensure that our polls are open and operational, and that we continue to have simple, safe, and secure elections. If you would like to become a poll worker, contact your local election office.”
Philadelphia City Commissioner Seth Bluestein added, “Elections are made possible by our dedicated friends and neighbors who sign up to serve as poll workers throughout the city. My fellow commissioners and I in Philadelphia, and across the nation, are always seeking civic-minded individuals who want to serve their communities, especially this Nov. 5.”
Schmidt noted the need for bilingual poll workers, especially those fluent in Spanish or Mandarin. He highlighted the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to removing barriers that may prevent eligible voters from casting their ballots. While some counties are federally required to provide multilingual voting materials, others are voluntarily offering these services to ensure every voter can participate.
As Nov. 5 approaches, the call for poll workers is not just about filling positions. It is about fortifying the backbone of democracy and ensuring that every vote counts in a fair and transparent manner.
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